The Transfer Tavern

Transfer Flashback: Mario Husillos appointed as West Ham’s director of football

On 13 June 2018, a number of West Ham United’s fans took to Twitter to share their reactions to the news that Mario Husillos would be joining the club as their new director of football, as he tried to give them a hand in the transfer market.

Having previously worked with Manuel Pellegrini at Malaga, many had hoped the pair would be able to reunite their once previously successful relationship and start to bring some success to the London Stadium outfit.

It would be fair to say that some of the Hammers’ faithful were pleased with the news that a director of football had been hired, irrelevant of the fact that Husillos had been appointed, although plenty had welcomed his arrival.

And, following two transfer windows, it would appear that the former Malaga director has managed to achieve some rather exceptional work during his short time at the club so far.

Husillos managed to help West Ham bring in the likes of Felipe Anderson, Issa Diop, Fabian Balbuena and Lukasz Fabianski (amongst others) in the summer, who have played starring roles for the Premier League outfit.

But, he was unable to bring anyone to the club in the winter transfer window, although that may have been after the club had heavily invested in the summer and the board did not feel the need for another mass spending spree so soon.

As mentioned, the 60-year-old’s initial spell at Malaga with Pellegrini was largely successful, as he managed to make a number of brilliant signings that helped the Andalusian outfit qualify for the Champions League and go onto reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history.

However, recent years in a second spell with the La Liga outfit did not go to plan as a number of the additions he made did not work and contributed to the demise of the club as they were relegated to the Segunda Division.

At the moment, Husillos is clearly working his magic for the London Stadium outfit, however, it is likely West Ham fans will judge him on the business he conducts in the upcoming transfer window, as the club will have a better idea of where they need to strengthen and finally push on for a place within European football.

West Ham fans, what do you make of Husillos’ arrival? Do you think it was a good decision? Join in with the discussion below by sharing your thoughts with us.